Range / HD Gun - XD9 Tactical vs. G34

[D-Man]

For my next purchase, I'm thinking about getting something to use mostly for the range, but also to serve HD purposes as needed. At the moment, I don't have a polymer handgun, and have been looking at the Springfield XD9 Tactical and the Glock 34.

Since these will be range guns foremost, I want to stick with 9MM for the cheaper ammo prices. And with 5" barrels (or more on the G34), I can get some good numbers shooting quality ammo.

Both guns will need to get some updates - like sights, maybe a little trigger tinkering (nothing radical like going down to a 2# trigger, but to smooth out things), maybe a magwell, etc. The G34 is a better choice in this regard.

One other thought is that I probably will eventually want a compact model of the same gun later on, so that means I would go with the XD9SC or the Glock 26.

I have handled both, and they feel nice in the hands. The only Glock I have shot is a G19 - felt good, though do admit the angle was a little awkward at first. I think with any amount of practice that could become a non-issue. I have not had a change to shoot an XD.

So, what would you do?

 

[GunNut]

They are both very good guns and only you will ultimately be making the decision.

For me, I would choose the Glock 34. It just feels better in my hands and there is a ton of accessories available.

Good luck on choosing.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I had a 34, I have a 17L longslide as my range gun. I even use it sometimes in IHMSA Field Pistol silhouette competition (100 yard max).

You just can't go too wrong with a G-34.

I shot a XD Tac 9mm recently and that was quite an eye opener. My first group was about 4" at 25 yards. It took me a year or more to get that good with a Glock. I really like that trigger and grip.

If it's your first poly gun, I would recomend the XD as the trigger is much easier to master IMO.

 

[xax68]

I have a 34 and love it !!

 

[OH25shooter]

I have the Tactical XD9 and wouldn't switch it for any Glock. Having said that, I have shot Glocks and they are quality firearms as well, but the grip angle made the choice for me. I also found the XD mag release to be quicker for me compared to Glock. It's your call.

 

[cbailey]

I have a G34 and it’s a nice shooting pistol that unfortunately doesn’t fit my smallish hands well at all (my G19 fits my hand OK). I can shoot it very accurately slow-fire and rapid fire if you give me a little time to find my grip - which is not an ideal situation. I also own a XD45 Tactical (so not the 9mm, but very similar dimensionally), and I have a much easier time consistently achieving the right grip upon presentation.

For me the grip angle in relation to pointability is a non-issue as I’ve shot both guns enough that I think muscle-memory is taking over.

I like the stock G34 trigger better than the stock XD trigger, but after a trigger job the XD is nicer IMO.

Both my Glock 34 and XD have been equally reliable with factory ammo (I occasionally have FTF hiccups with both the G34 and XD using my least-QC’d tier of home reloads, but that’s not either guns fault).

The Glock finish is incredibly durable - moreso than any other manufacturer's finish that I've had experience with. Other than a little barrel finish wear, the gun looks new. The XD finish (cosmetically) seems a little more susceptible to holster wear. Finish durability as far as cosmetics are concerned isn't a big deal to me in recent years, though it sure used to be. Of course, neither gun is attractive to begin with, in any classical sense, but to me the XD takes the ugly cake.

I like the factory XD sights better than the G34’s (albeit the G34 has the adjustable rear). The G34 front sight is too wide for my taste when shooting at 25 yards. If I commit to keeping the G34 I’ll swap out the sights. That said, I’ve already swapped my XD sights to Dawson adjustables.

People talk a lot about the improved safety features of the XD vs. the Glock. IMHO, the loaded chamber indicator and cocked striker indicator on the XD don’t add any real benefit (and my XD loaded chamber indicator recess needs a good cleanout every now and then when it sticks open), but I do like the XD grip safety. It is essentially invisible in operation (to me), less apparent than in a 1911.

When it comes down to it, you’ll be fine with either if both fit your hand well. The plus of the XD to me is that it fits smaller hands better.

 

[D-Man]

Thanks for all of the replies so far.

For those who have shot both in 9MM, how does each handle the recoil? Is any of them 'softer'? Or is it they are just different and one being better than another would be a tossup?

 

[AWMP]

Good thread that I'm following as well. I'm leaning toward the XD9 in the Service model. I just purchased the XD 45 in the Service model now my Glocks are getting dust on them.